Air-Fryer French Toast Sticks: Timing And Techniques

French toast is a delicious breakfast treat and a firm family favourite. But how long do French toast sticks take in the air fryer? The answer depends on how crispy you like them. For a light and fluffy texture, air fry for 5–6 minutes at 375°F. If you like them crispier, air fry for 6 minutes at 400°F, then check the consistency and cook for another minute or two.

Preheat the air fryer to 360-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. Not only does it ensure your French toast sticks cook evenly, but it also means you don't have to worry about the middles being raw. For French toast sticks, you should preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat function, simply turn it on and let it run at your desired temperature for a few minutes before adding your food. This will give the appliance enough time to heat up and ensure your French toast sticks cook evenly.

Preheating your air fryer to the correct temperature is especially important if you want to achieve a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. This is because the high heat helps to quickly seal the exterior, creating a crust that prevents the moisture inside from escaping.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can then place your French toast sticks inside and cook them according to your recipe instructions.

Oil spray is optional

Another option is to use aluminium foil instead of parchment paper. This will also provide a non-stick surface and make cleanup easier. If you do use parchment paper or aluminium foil, it is important to note that you should not preheat them in the air fryer. Instead, preheat the air fryer first and then carefully place the parchment paper or aluminium foil inside before adding the French toast sticks. This will prevent the paper or foil from catching on fire.

Additionally, if you are using parchment paper, you can spray it with cooking spray for extra assurance that the French toast sticks will not stick. This is a good option if you have experienced sticking issues in the past, as the cooking spray will create an extra layer of protection. However, if you don't want to use oil spray at all, the parchment paper or aluminium foil method alone should be sufficient to prevent sticking.

Place French toast sticks in a single layer

When placing French toast sticks in the air fryer, it is important to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping or touching. This is because air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food, so spacing them out is crucial for even cooking. If you need to, cook the French toast sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer.

When placing the French toast sticks in the air fryer, you can choose to line the basket or tray with parchment paper, especially if your air fryer basket is not non-stick. This helps to prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier. Alternatively, you can spray the air fryer basket or tray with some cooking oil spray before placing the French toast sticks.

Make sure to leave enough space between the French toast sticks so they are not crowded and have room to cook evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the French toast sticks in batches.

Once you have arranged the French toast sticks in a single layer, you can proceed with the cooking instructions, adjusting the timing and temperature according to your desired level of doneness and the specific model of your air fryer.

Remember to follow food safety guidelines and maintain proper hygiene when handling and preparing food. Enjoy your delicious air-fried French toast sticks!

Cook for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes

Cooking French toast sticks in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. After preheating your air fryer to 400°F, you can place your French toast sticks in the basket and cook them for 3 minutes. However, it is important to ensure that they are placed in a single layer with enough space between them so they don't overlap. This is because air fryers cook by circulating hot air around the food, so spacing them out is crucial for even cooking.

After the initial 3 minutes, you should flip the French toast sticks. This step ensures even cooking on both sides. Once flipped, cook the French toast sticks for another 3 minutes. This will give them a golden brown colour and a slight crisp to the edges.

Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you can repeat the process of cooking for 3 minutes, flipping, and cooking for another 3 minutes. Some people prefer their French toast sticks with a greater level of crispiness, so they may repeat this process multiple times.

Once you've achieved your desired level of doneness, use tongs to remove the French toast sticks from the air fryer basket. Now, you can enjoy your French toast sticks with your favourite toppings, such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or whipped cream.

Serve with toppings like maple syrup, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar

French toast sticks cooked in an air fryer can be served with a variety of toppings, including maple syrup, powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, and fresh fruit. Here are some ideas and suggestions for serving these delicious treats:

Maple Syrup

Maple syrup is a classic topping for French toast and can be drizzled over the sticks or served on the side as a dip. It adds a sweet and sticky glaze to the crispy, golden French toast.

Powdered Sugar

A dusting of powdered sugar gives a delicate sweetness to the French toast sticks. It can be sprinkled over the sticks just before serving, adding a beautiful snow-like appearance.

Cinnamon Sugar

For a more indulgent treat, coat the French toast sticks in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. This can be done by sprinkling the mixture over the sticks or by tossing them in the mixture. The cinnamon adds a lovely, warm spice to the dish.

Fresh Fruit

Adding some fresh berries or chopped fruit not only makes the dish look beautiful but also adds a burst of freshness. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all great options, or you could make a fruit salad to serve on the side.

Whipped Cream

For an extra-special treat, add a dollop of whipped cream. This takes the dish to the next level, making it more like a dessert.

Other Topping Ideas

There are endless possibilities for toppings, including Nutella or other hazelnut spreads, nut butters such as peanut butter, honey, or fruit compote. You could even add a scoop of ice cream!

Frequently asked questions